Derek Jeter is making good on his promise.
Jeter vowed to play this weekend at Fenway Park. The longtime Yankees captain, who sat out Friday’s series opener against the Boston Red Sox, will serve as New York’s designated hitter and bat second in Saturday’s middle game.
Jeter played his final home game at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, capping the occasion with a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning. It was a fitting end to Jeter’s career in the Bronx, but the veteran shortstop wasn’t ready to call it a career. He instead wanted to play this weekend out of respect to the Boston fans, the Red Sox organization and the club’s storied rivalry.
The Yankees’ lineup, which featured a cast of unknowns Friday, is relatively normal for Saturday’s contest. After all, who wouldn’t want to play alongside Jeter before he rides off into the sunset?
The Red Sox’s offense will take its cuts against Masahiro Tanaka, who pitched Sunday after missing more than two months with a right elbow injury. Tanaka was in the American League Cy Young conversation — perhaps even the front-runner — before going down.
The Red Sox will counter with Joe Kelly, who is finishing the season strong. He figures to be a lock for Boston’s 2015 rotation.
Saturday’s first pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET. NESN.com Red Sox beat writer Ricky Doyle will be tweeting live throughout the contest. Follow him on Twitter and check out the updates below.
You also can follow Saturday’s Red Sox-Yankees game right here.
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